Second Generation Energy Absorbing Column with Locking Feature

Abstract

THE 1969 GENERAL MOTORS STEERING COLUMN INVOLVES A NEW SYSTEM FOR ABSORBING ENERGY FROM THE BODY OF THE DRIVER IN EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION. THIS STEERING COLUMN ALSO CONTAINS A LOCKING SYSTEM WHICH PERMITS THE LOCKING OF STEERING SHAFT AND GEAR SHIFT AS WELL AS THE IGNITION SWITCH. A COMPARISON OF THE 1969 BALL TYPE ENERGY ABSORBER WITH THE 1967 MESH TYPE ABSORBER SHOWS GAINS IN RIGIDITY, CONSISTENCY OF LOAD, AND EASE OF CHANGING DESIGN LOAD. THE DISCUSSION OF THE LOCKING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF STEERING COLUMNS INCLUDES A DESCRIPTION OF THE INHIBITING SYSTEM. /SAE/